Southern DawnvsCluster

Southern Dawn and Cluster are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Southern Dawn

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11.2–13.5%

Beta acid

4.3–5.9%

Total oil

-

South Africa

Cluster

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5.5–9%

Beta acid

4.5–6%

Total oil

0.4–1 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Southern Dawn

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cluster

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Southern Dawn

QuinceLemongrassGingerChamomileStrawberryCitrusFruityHerbalSpicy

Only in Cluster

FloralEarthySweet

Property

PropertySouthern DawnCluster
Alpha acid11.2–13.5%5.5–9%
Beta acid4.3–5.9%4.5–6%
Co-humulone31–33%33–43%
Total oil-0.4–1 mL
Myrcene22–45%38–46%
Humulene17–25%15–20%
Caryophyllene8–11%8–10%
Farnesene4–10%0–1%
OriginSouth AfricaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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